6) Bullet-Proof Black Panther
With Wakanda introduced, it’s time for the trailer to reveal its protector. As a gang of armed thugs prepare to cause trouble, a dark figure lunges at them from the trees of the jungle. Like Batman let loose in the wild, Black Panther silently plows through his enemies, not even flinching as bullets fly at him and bounce off his Vibranium armour.
The idea of a superhero facing down a hail of bullets is obviously a very common thing – going right back to Superman – but it takes on another, more significant, meaning here. Like Marvel’s Netflix series Luke Cage, the idea of having a bulletproof black hero brings to mind the social injustices of the real world and gives a deeper edge to the already awesome action on display.
The use of Klaue’s voiceover in this scene suggests that these thugs are his men and this sequence is a flashback to when he visited Wakanda. Perhaps it might even be the first time we see the fully-suited Black Panther in the movie?
5) Forest Whitaker’s Role
For the briefest of seconds, the trailer next reveals Forest Whitaker’s character. The actor – recently seen as Saw Gerrera in Rogue One – is almost unrecognizable under some distinctive spotted facial make-up and flowing purple robes.
In case you’re wondering, Whitaker will be playing Zuri, a Wakandan elder statesman and adviser to T’Challa. Director Ryan Coogler has called him “Black Panther’s version of Obi-Wan Kenobi” and apparently, he serves as the closest thing the king has to a father since T’Chaka died. Every superhero needs a good mentor and Zuri could end up being a great character, one who develops an interesting relationship with T’Challa.
Black Panther is set to explore the political drama of Wakanda, as T’Challa’s reign over the country is contested, so we expect Zuri to be a major player on this side of the movie.
